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Transformation Tuesday: The Oak Project

Driving through suburban Illinois, especially around the area of McHenry County, you will notice the lovely oak trees which have stood tall for years. Unfortunately, due to a wide range of stressors including a change in the water flow in the area, meddling plants, root damage and insect diseases, the oak trees are rapidly dying. The organization (what organization?) wants to call attention to the fact that without proper conservation, the oaks of McHenry County are in serious danger.

From a study done by the McHenry Conservation District, “Nearly 90% of the 143,000 acres of oak woodlands noted in 1837 were gone by 2005.Over half were removed between 1837 and 1872, leaving just 72,000 acres of oak woods as land was cleared for farming and settlement.”

Similar to our Tree Partnership Program, we want to call attention to The Land Conservancy of McHenry County and their projects working specifically towards planting and maintaining oak trees in Illinois. They are solving the problems of tree loss by getting community members involved in their projects.

photo credit: The Land Conservatory of McHenry County

Through their Living with Trees program, they recognize individuals like volunteers and landowners who have gone above and beyond to manage the care of state oak trees. They do a yearly acorn roundup where they are able to take the acorns to be propagated, or bred, so that they may be planted. The organization also plans tree plantings for schools and other organizations. They have been able to plant around 1,000 trees. Additionally, they have a spring oak sale, a memorial oak planting program, oak replanting days, and Arbor Day projects.

This organization is just one example of how people are combating the effects of the environment to keep our state beautiful and green. It is important to highlight this Illinois nonprofit who has obviously affected the growth of tree planting and survival. We all want to be able to admire the historic trees for a lifetime, but some are dying out quickly. The Land Conservancy is passionate about the oaks in Illinois and works to improve their health and abundance every day.